In game: Astros’ Norris pleased with first spring training start

Norris primarily used a two-seam fastball and changeup Sunday against a split-squad New York Mets lineup, trying to keep the ball down in the zone while working on his mechanics. He didn’t throw any breaking balls and decided not to throw a side bullpen session after recording 28 pitches.

Norris fared better than starter Lucas Harrell, who at times struggled with his control during his first spring training start Saturday against Philadelphia. But Norris exited with a 1-0 deficit, at times left the ball over the middle of the plate and allowed a long solo homer to Mets outfielder Jamie Hoffmann.

“I’m just trying to really be in control of my body,” said Norris, who allowed two hits and one earned run in two innings during the Astros’ 2013 spring training home-opener at Osceola County Stadium.

“This is an opportunity to hash out some mechanical things, because you can create a lot of bad stuff down here. I’m happy with what I did,” Norris said.

Hot shot: Hoffmann took Norris deep to left-center, hammering a 1-1 pitch more than 400 feet. Norris retired catcher Travis d’Arnaud on a grounder to third base to start the second. But the Astros righty placed his third pitch inside Hoffmann’s swing zone.

“Actually, it was a decent pitch,” Norris said. “It was a little two-seamer down and in. He put a really good swing on it. He’s seen me a few times. … I wasn’t really mad about the pitch. But obviously you’ve got to make an adjustment and I’m getting my scouting reports, too.”

Best battle: Lucas Duda. With Collin Cowgill on second and one out in the top of the first, Norris fell behind 3-1 to Duda. He took the count to 3-2 after the Mets designated hitter swung through a pitch low and away. Norris then struck Duda out with a high fastball across the middle of the plate.

Norris on Castro: “Castro back there is a staple. He’s an amazing player. We knew that when we got him in the draft. He obviously got here and has had some injury problems, which is unfortunate. … I love him back there and he’s great.”